Effects of PM2.5 on zebrafish embryonic development

Background and Objectives: Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been recognized as an important factor which may cause human respiratory tract related cancer and affect the growth of embryos. In this experiment, the toxicity of PM2.5 on zebrafish's embryos was explored. Methods: Zebrafish animal models were used in the experiment. The zebrafish embryos were exposed to PM2.5 solution of different concentrations, and the aggregation rate, the hatching rate and the malformation rate as the changes in the concentration of PM2.5 were observed. Result: The results showed that when the concentration of PM2.5 was 0-250 μg/L, it had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the embryo aggregation rate, the hatching rate or the malformation rate. When the concentration of PM2.5 was 500-2500 μg/L, it had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the embryo aggregation rate, the hatching rate and the malformation rate, and PM2.5 concentration was positively correlated with the embryo aggregation rate, but negatively correlated with the embryo hatching rate. Conclusion: The experiment shows PM2.5 has clear toxic effects on zebrafish embryos, which may provide a basis for further research on PM2.5 pathogenesis.